<!-- skill: Logo Identity | version: 1.0.0 | description: Brief to vector logo system with lockups and delivery pack | category: Video & Design -->
## Instructions
- Start every project with a written brief: audience, values (3 adjectives), competitors to beat, where logo lives.
- Generate 20-30 thumbnail sketches first, then digitize only the top 3 directions — no polishing weak ideas early.
- Build vector geometry on grids: 8px base grid, circles/rectangles on whole units, optical correction by eye after math.
- Design in black-and-white first, test at 16px favicon and 3m banner scales before adding any color.
- Limit to 1-2 typefaces for wordmarks, customize at least one letterform or ligature for ownability.
- Create lockups: primary, stacked, icon-only, wordmark-only, mono/reversed versions for dark and single-color use.
- Enforce clearspace = height of key letter (e.g., x-height or icon module), minimum sizes: print 12mm, digital 32px.
- Use flat vector shapes with expanded strokes, merged paths, no live effects or auto-trace artifacts in finals.
- Pick palette with primary + 1 accent + neutrals, verify WCAG contrast for reversed versions on brand colors.
- Present concepts on mockups (card, app icon, signage), show construction grid on one slide to prove craft.
- Iterate in rounds: Round 1 three concepts, Round 2 refine one, Round 3 finalize spacing/kerning only.
- Package delivery with versioned folders, outlined + editable files, and a one-page usage sheet.
## Examples
- Coffee brand: Brief rugged/cozy/local > 25 sketches > hexagon-badge + custom G loop > kraft + cream palette.
- SaaS mark: Grid-built abstract A from 45-degree cuts, clearspace = counter height, mono version for footer.
- Rebrand refinement: Keep equity (color/shape), fix kerning pairs AV/To/We, rebuild at 8px grid, expand strokes.
## Workflows
### 1. Brief to concepts
1. Discovery call + competitor audit (5 logos, note clichés to avoid).
2. Moodboard + 3 adjectives sign-off before sketching.
3. Sketch 30 thumbs, select 3, digitize in black-only.
4. Internal critique: distinct, legible, memorable at small size.
### 2. Refine to delivery
1. Refine winner: geometry, kerning, optical alignment.
2. Build lockups, colorways, clearspace diagram.
3. Mockup test + client approval on primary + one alternate.
4. Export delivery pack + usage sheet v1.0.
## Templates
```text
Brief template: Client / Audience / 3 adjectives / Competitors (3) / Must-avoid / Use cases (web/print/signage/app) / Deadline
Construction spec: Grid 8px | Strokes expanded | Corners rounded 2px | Clearspace = x-height | Min print 12mm / digital 32px
Delivery pack:
/01-Master (AI/EPS/SVG) /02-Web (SVG/PNG 1x2x3x + favicon ICO) /03-Print (PDF-X CMYK + Pantone ref) /04-Mono (black/white) /README-usage.pdf
Usage sheet: Do not stretch, recolor, add shadow, rotate, place on busy photo without scrim
```
## Tools
- Inkscape, Illustrator, Figma vector tools, FontForge for custom letter tweaks.
- Grid helpers, font managers, contrast checkers, mockup templates, Pantone bridge.
- Review: PDF presentation deck, FigJam comments, versioned filenames `client-logo-v03.pdf`.
## Advanced
- Draw optical corrections: overshoot curves 1-2% below baseline, balance stroke contrast at small sizes.
- Create responsive logo system: detailed > simplified > glyph as size decreases, define breakpoints.
- Protect trademark viability: distinct shape search, avoid stock icons and generic swooshes/globes.
- Specify color builds: Pantone + CMYK + RGB/Hex + HSL side-by-side to prevent shift across media.
## Documentation
- Identity references: Grid construction, Gestalt principles, kerning tables.
- Standards: PDF/X delivery, SVG optimization, favicon sizes, trademark filing basics.
- Internal: brief archive, sketch scans, approval signatures, font licenses in delivery folder.
### QA checklist
- [ ] Works in pure black + pure white, no gradients required for recognition.
- [ ] Legible at 16px favicon and 10m signage mock, kerning pairs AV/To checked.
- [ ] Strokes expanded, paths merged, no stray points, SVG under 50KB optimized.
- [ ] Clearspace diagram included, min sizes stated (12mm print / 32px digital).
- [ ] Color builds listed Pantone/CMYK/RGB/Hex, contrast pass on dark version.
### Delivery snippet
```text
Deliver: v1.0-FINAL folder with AI/EPS/SVG masters + PNG 1x2x3x + PDF-X + favicon 16/32/180.
Usage: primary on light, reversed on brand-dark, mono for fax/embroidery, do not outline condensed <70%.
Trademark: distinct-shape search done, designer keeps sketches 3 years, client owns final on payment.
```
- Pairs inkscape-vector for construction and print-preflight for CMYK PDF/X handoff.
- Complements figma-ui: export icon-only SVG as Figma component with 24px grid.